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Chichewa Language and Culture
Where does it come from? Chichewa is spoken in Malawi where, from 1968 until recently, it has served as the national language. Chicewa is of the Bantu language family.
In how many countries? Chichewa is spoken primarily in Malawi, however, it is also spoken in areas of Mozambique, Zambia as well as Zimbabwe.
How many people speak it? In Malawi, out of a population of about 10 million, upwards of 65% have functoinal literacy and active command of Chichewa. In Mozambique, the language goes by the name of Chinyanja and is native to approximately 3.3% of 11.5 million inhabitants. In Zambia 16% of a 9.1 million population use Chinyanja as their first langauge. World-wide, figures show that upwards of 6 million speakers have fluent command of Chichewa/Chinyanja
The History of Chichewa The speakers of Chichewa trace their origins to a group of people known as the Maravi, who migrated from the lower basin of the Congo in Central Africa and eventually settled in the land mass now covered by Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. They were the first group of Bantu peoples to move and settle in present day Malawi in the 16th century, other Bantu groups followed long after.
The label, Chewa was, according to some accounts, one the Maravi aquired during a sojourn in Zambia before they pressed on and made ther way into Malawi. Chewa derives from the word Cheva, Sheva or Seva which was applied to them as a migrating group and had the meaning of "foreigner". The name was apparently adopted and subsequent phological changes resulted in the world Chewa, with the language becoming Chichewa.
Music and Dance Traditional miusic and dance are deeply rooted in social functions in Malawi, most tribes have their own tunes and dances. Instruments used include drums such as the hand-held 'ulimba' made from gourd, and ceremonial giants carved from tree-trunks; and the 'mambilira' which is similar to a xylophone. Various rattles and shakers called 'maseche' are tied to dancers's legs and arms. The most widely recognised traditional dance in Malawi is the Chewa tribe's 'Gule Wamkulu', which reflects indigenous beliefs in spirits and is connected to the activities of secret societies.
Food and Drink The local food includes boiled meat or freshwater fish, yams, seasonal fruit in abundance and local vegetables. A corneal porridge called 'nsima' is the staple food for most Malawians and is served with almost everything.
Attractions Malawi is a landlocked, long and narrow country covering more than 1000km from North to South. Malawi is dominated by the tranquil waters of Lake Malawi, which is nearly 600km long and up to 80km wide. The Lake, with it's golden beaches and stunning natural surroundings is Malawi's greatest attraction, however, there are also eleven national parks and game reserves protecting everying from the largest of beasts, rare birds to endangered plant species!
